Evaluating the effects of borax as priming agent on germination and seedling parameter

In agriculture, the seed is the most important and primary input, and it must be of excellent quality. One dependable and affordable method for improving seed germination and seedling establishment in crops is seed priming. This investigation was done to ascertain the results of seed priming with borax on seedling germination and growth in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) types i.e., HUW-468 and HUW510. The seeds used for experimentation were pre-soaked in different borax concentrations for seed treatment. The treatments included B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6 (control, hydro-primed, seeds primed with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM concentrations of borax, respectively) for variety HUW-468, and D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 (control, hydro-primed, seeds primed with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM concentration of borax, respectively) for variety HUW-510. Parameters like germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, fresh and dry weights of radicle and plumule, and seedling vigor index I and II were observed and calculated 10 days after sowing. Among all the parameters, primed sets performed better, followed by hydro-primed and control. However, HUW-510 performed slightly better than variety HW-468 after nutripriming with borax salt.

• Seed priming involves carefully hydrating seeds to a point where pre-germinative metabolic activity can take place.

• Seed priming boosts crop performance, increases potential yield, and makes seed germination easier, even in challenging circumstances.

• Boron promotes the growth and retention of flowers, the lengthening and germination of pollen tubes, and the development of seeds and fruits.

• Borax had a considerable impact on germination characteristics as a nutripriming agent.